Most people have either forgotten or never knew it, but when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird came into the NBA, it was finished. Drugs had done a lot of damage, but so had selfish basketball. The soul of the game was tainted. The ultimate team game had too often been reduced to an exercise in selfishness.

Magic and Bird revived the game because they recognized what makes it so special: five players working together as a unit that is better than its individual parts.

Michael Jordan came along to carry the torch, and as great as he was, he was a completely different type of player. It was often more of a personal pyrotechnics type of thing as opposed to what Bird and Magic did, which was elevate a group to a higher level. That’s not to put Jordan down – everyone was watching and it was exciting – but it wasn’t the same.

We were waiting for someone to come along who had the same gift as Magic and Bird, but never thought he would be in the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark is that player and this game is proof.

First, she hits Kelsey Mitchell with a beautiful pass that hits the bullseye, and then Mitchell makes a perfect behind-the-back pass to NaLyssa Smith, who makes a layup.

It’s exquisite basketball: economical, intuitive and with lots of possession – and her teammates are excited and their confidence is growing. But it’s not just beautiful basketball. The Fever find a level of enjoyment in the game that few know.

Clark, as we said yesterday, is revolutionizing women’s basketball. Hopefully young guys who are just learning to play will watch her too, because whatever that magic is, she’s got it. She’s taking her team and her league on a journey that no one will forget. Everyone should aspire to play like that.